Main menu

Category Archives: brand hacks

For the artist in all of us, Michaels is a craft-lover’s dream. While you’re bound to find great deals at the store already, there are still other ways to save even more cash when you shop.

Here are 17 ways to save at Michaels.

1. Visit the Website

Coupons abound directly on the home page of Michaels.com, so be sure to make that your first stop when a trip to the crafting superstore in is order.

2. Use the Store Locator

To find even more coupons usable at your local Michaels, visit the Coupons section of Michaels.com and input your zip code for up-to-date coupon offers at the stores nearest you.

3. Join the Michaels Rewards Program

If you haven’t already, signing up for the Michaels Rewards program will provide you with members-only offers directly to your inbox, as well as access to events, receipt-free returns and early alerts for sales.

4. Check Out the Weekly Ad

Search through Michaels weekly ad online for more deals that are usually good only through the week.

5. Take a Class

Looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon with the family? Heading over to a crafting class at Michaels is bound to be a lot cheaper than anything else you’ll find. Check out the Classes & Events page to find an activity that everyone will love. Prices generally range from a couple dollars to the cost of your canvas, whatever that may be (as in you buy the birdhouse, supplies to decorate it are free).

6. Go Get Your Mail

You’re likely to find more Michaels coupons in your newspaper or in direct mailers, especially if you’ve given your address either in-store or at Michaels.com.

7. Search for Competitor Coupons

Don’t limit your coupon search to just Michaels coupons (although you’re sure to find plenty of those). The store also accepts competitor coupons from places like Jo-Ann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, etc. Some restrictions apply, so be sure to check with the store.

8. Get More With Online Searches

Check out sites like Groupon, Coupon Cabin and Coupon Sherpa to scoop up any additional coupons you may have missed, or promo codes for online deals.

9. Bring in Multiple Coupons

Once you’ve found all your coupons, be sure to bring in as many as you can. The store limits you to one coupon of each type per day, but you can still use multiple different coupons on any given day. You can find the full coupon policy here.

11. Follow Them on Facebook for Flash Sales

Be sure to follow Michael’s Facebook page to catch all coupon and sales deals, but especially ones that they share about last-minute discounts that are good for only one day or a couple days. (Follow them on Twitter to catch deals, as well!)

12. Do a Little Investigating

As stated on Michaels site, the company “will match any competitor’s advertised price on items identical in brand and size. Advertised product must be currently valid and not expired. Competitors allowed to match include AC Moore, Hobby Lobby and Jo-Ann’s.”

13. Shop the Front Aisle

As soon as you enter your local Michaels store you’re bound to pass an aisle of discounted items. While it might take some digging, you’ll often find some good items in there at rock-bottom prices, especially if you’re looking for craft ideas to keep curious kids busy or seasonal items for a season that just passed.

14. Take Advantage of Additional Discounts if You Can

Be sure to check out the discounts section of the site to see if you qualify for additional savings. For example, seniors, teachers and military servicemen and women all qualify.

15. Sign Up for Mobile Alerts

Get mobile text alerts from Michaels regarding coupons and extra deals by texting JOIN2 to CREATE (273283). Message and data rates will apply.

16. Buy Discounted Gift Cards

Check out Gift Card Granny (and other similar sites) to purchase Michaels gift cards at a discounted price.

17. Read the Bottom of Your Coupon

Michaels often offers additional ways to save that will be advertised on the bottom of your printed receipt, like coupons to complete a survey online, for example.

There are probably a lot of things that draw you to your favorite stores. The products, obviously, the sales and the friendly salespeople all might be part of it, but a seriously rocking loyalty or rewards program is probably not far behind. Whether a loyalty program is free or has a small fee, if the benefits are plenty, it can be worth all the extra mail and email you’ll likely receive — or even a small yearly charge. (If you tend to pay balances off in full and want to maximize your earning potential, you may want to consider a rewards credit card as well.)

Here are some of the best loyalty programs we’ve seen around.

1. CVS

If not all pharmacies are created equal, then not all pharmacy rewards programs are created equal either. CVS’ ExtraCare Rewards stands out, for starters, because it’s free. Customers earn 2% back in ExtraBuck Rewards every single time they use their ExtraCare card, and additional savings are easy to find through ExtraCare emails, the CVS Pharmacy app and the weekly ad or throughout the store. You can save paper by using the “send to card” option to send selected offers from online directly to your ExtraCare card rather than printing them off to bring to the store.

2. Barnes & Noble

Becoming a B&N member isn’t free — it’ll cost you $25 a year — but if you’re an avid reader, the fee will likely be worth it. For starters, new members receive $50 in bonus coupons for joining. (Use ‘em all and you’ve already made up your initiation fee!) Members also receive member-exclusive savings options, free express shipping online with no minimum purchase, plus 40% off the list prices of current hardcover bestsellers and 10% off the price of other eligible items.

3. PetSmart

Animal owners can join the PetSmart PetPerks rewards program to start saving more on their pet purchases. Membership is free, and members receive discounts on in-store purchases, as well as special coupons sent directly to them in the mail. For more ways to save on your furbabies, sign up for the brand’s auto-ship plan, which provides 20% off and free shipping on the first auto ship order, plus 5% off and free shipping every time after. (Some exclusions apply.)

4. Sephora

For product lovers, the Sephora Beauty Insider Program is a dream come true. Sign up for free on the Sephora site and every dollar you spend earns a point that can be put towards free beauty products. (The points you need to purchase certain products can be found online.) Members also get a birthday gift, access to free beauty classes, and for an extra $10/year members get access to flash two-day shipping on all online orders.

5. Bed Bath & Beyond

Home goods superstore BB&B doesn’t have a specific rewards program, per se, but creating a free account online and providing your home address at the store will supply you with endless coupon offers. The best part? The store usually accepts coupons even after they’ve expired — though you probably won’t need to bother since you’ll likely have a new one waiting for you in your mailbox or inbox by your next purchase, anyway.

6. Starbucks

Pricey as their drinks may be, Starbucks does have a smashing (and free) rewards program. Starbucks Rewards members earn two “stars” for every $1 spent with your registered card to put towards future drinks. There are four ways to enroll in the program (online, through the mobile app, directly from a retailer or through a business affiliate), and you can earn also stars by entering star codes found inside specially marked packaged of Starbucks products as well. Starbucks fans can find more ways to save on their daily cup of coffee (or two) here.

Remember, you don’t want the lure of rewards to lead you to overspend. High levels of debt can affect your bank account and credit score. You can see where your credit currently stands by viewing two of your scores for free on Credit.com.

Note: It’s important to remember that prices for products and services frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms cited in this article may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with the company directly.

If Carrie Bradshaw has a gold medal in buying shoes, I happen to know a good many other people (this writer included) who would earn a close silver. Any shoe lover is bound to have checked out designer shoe warehouse DSW for their footwear needs, but next time you find yourself feeling a little foot fancy, try these suggestions to save a bit on your haul.

Here are 12 ways to save at DSW.

1. Enroll in DSW Rewards

Membership is free, and you’ll earn 10 points for every $1 you spend at the store. You should also be on the lookout for Double Point Days and free birthday offers.

2. Become a Premier Member

Premier membership is actually based on how much you spend: DSW Rewards members who earn 6,000 qualifying points by spending $600 in a calendar year qualify for Premier membership. If that’s you, be sure to ask about the program, which offers free next-day shipping, five more points earned per every dollar spent at DSW and access to the Premier Choice Card, which earns you a Triple Points day every six months, (you get to pick the day).

3. Apply for a DSW Rewards Visa

Only Rewards members can apply for the DSW Rewards Visa, but once you do, you can really start racking up the savings. You’ll earn 20 points for every $1 you spend at DSW, two points for every $1 you spend outside of DSW, and when you reach 1,500 points you’ll earn a $10 Rewards certificate. You also get free return shipping, a one-time $25 offer when you spend $500 outside of DSW within 90 days of your first purchase and a $25 application offer when your card arrives in the mail. Just be sure not to revolve a balance — otherwise, you’ll lose those points to interest. (You can see how your credit card use if affecting your credit by viewing two of your scores for free on Credit.com.)

4. Use a Rewards Credit Card

5. Search the Site for Bonus Point Offers

Scroll through the entire homepage of the site to be sure and catch any additional rewards or bonus offers that might be hiding throughout. For example, ahead of Father’s Day, DSW was offering 25% off men’s dress socks with purchase of any men’s footwear.

6. Shop the Clearance Section

Don’t forget to check out the online clearance section frequently for new markdowns available online.

7. Sign Up for Email Newsletters

For exclusive offers and news sent directly to your inbox, enter your email address in the box at the bottom of any page on the site.

8. Search for Coupons

Besides your inbox and mailbox, search online at places like Coupons.com, RetailMeNot and Groupon for additional promo codes to use when shopping.

9. Follow Them on Social

As with most brands, DSW loves to engage with its customers, and one way they do so is by making sure their social media followers are up-to-date on the latest deals and special offers. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the know.

10. Go Where the Dots Are

The best way to save some cash when shopping in-store is to know what you’re looking for. At DSW, keep your eyes peeled for colorful dots that show up on clearance shoes — find them and you could score an extra percentage off the already marked down price. For example, a purple dot signifies 20% off, red is 30%, blue is 50% and green is 70%.

11. Ask for a Discount

Customers have also claimed success at saving by simply asking for a discount, especially on purchases with small defects. Why not give it a try — if nothing else it’ll help you practice your haggling skills.

12. Return Your Online Purchases in the Store

If you aren’t a rewards member, you’ll pay $8.50 in shipping to return (not exchange) purchases made online — unless you do it directly in the store, so skip the charge by hitting the streets.

Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.

A staple when it comes to department stores, Nordstrom is known for offering top brand options in apparel, shoes, handbags, beauty and more. It’s also known for providing plenty of ways to drive down the costs of those luxury goods.

If you’re a frequent Nordstrom shopper, here are 19 ways to save at Nordstrom.

1. Shop the Sales

Take stock of all the goodies available in the sales section of the Nordstrom site before clicking on anything else. You’ll find great deals on stuff for men, women and kids, not to mention home and trend goods.

2. Make the Most of Free Samples

Stock up on free samples of the products you’re dying to try before dishing out lots of cash for the whole item. Each online or in-store beauty or grooming purchase comes with three free samples, so pick wisely.

3. Apply for a Nordstrom Debit Card or Nordstrom Retail Card

Get the Nordstrom store credit card or debit card and earn two points per every dollar spent online or in stores, plus a $20 bonus note when you spend $100 at Nordstrom with your card the day you’re approved. There is no annual fee, but be sure to check out the APR information and read all the fine print before applying. Be sure to check your credit, too, so you know whether you can handle an inquiry. (You can view two of your credit scores for free on Credit.com.)

4. Apply for the Nordstrom Visa Platinum or Visa Signature Card

The Nordstrom Visa Platinum and Visa Signature cards provide all the same benefits as the regular Nordstrom retail card, but you’ll also earn one point per every dollar spend everywhere else that Visa credit cards are accepted. You can find a full review of Nordstrom’s credit card right here.

5. Use Your Nordstrom Card at Affiliate Stores

You’ll earn two points per every dollar spent online when you use your Nordstrom card at Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook and Trunk Club, as well.

6. Wait for the Anniversary Sale

Nordstrom’s biggest sale of the year is their Anniversary Sale, and it generally kicks off every July. If you can wait, you’ll score major deals on all kinds of goodies, and Nordstrom cardholders get early access before it opens to the public.

7. Become a Nordstrom Rewards Member

Join the Nordstrom Rewards program for free by providing your name, email and phone number and you’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack and HauteLook. You’ll earn extra points by shopping on bonus days, too, and for every 2,000 points you earn, you’ll receive a $20 Nordstrom Note, good to spend on absolutely anything.

8. Sign up for Nordstrom Emails

9. Shop at Nordstrom Rack

Skip the regular Nordstrom store and site and head over to Nordstrom Rack, where you’ll find many of the same great items at deep discounts every day.

10. Shop the Nordstrom Rack Sales

Check out Nordstrom Rack’s clearance section for even more savings on the already marked-down items.

11. Shop at HauteLook

HauteLook is another Nordstrom property, with luxury brands available at up to 70% off retail.

12. Get the Nordstrom Apps on Your Phone

View your Nordstrom Rewards points and use your Nordstrom Notes anytime directly from the free Nordstrom app for iPhone, iPad and Android, and load the Nordstrom Rack app on your phone as well for access to the newest markdowns and clearance items. HauteLook also has an app that’ll help you shop exclusive, limited-time sale events from anywhere.

13. Search for Nordstrom Coupons Online

Do a quick Google search or use sites like Retail Me Not, Groupon and Coupons.com to find promo codes to use when shopping at Nordstrom.com.

14. Follow Nordstrom on Social

Catch up on all the sales and promotions when you follow Nordstrom on their social sites, like Facebook and Twitter. (Follow Nordstrom Rack and HauteLook as well, to be sure you really get access to all the sales that Nordstrom has to offer!)

15. Purchase Discount Gift Cards

Use sites like Gift Card Granny to score Nordstrom gift cards at major discounts.

16. Refer a Friend

Nordstrom offers $20 in rewards when you refer a friend who then opens a credit or debit account with them.

17. Write a Review Online

Check back with Nordstrom.com for opportunities to win gift cards or discounts when you leave product reviews on the site.

18. Ask for a Price Match

Nordstrom offers a price match guarantee when you find the same item in stock for cheaper at a competing store.

Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.

Caffeine lovers who have heard over and over again that they could be saving so much money if only they’d cut back on their daily Starbucks latte can now rejoice. So long as your coffee habit isn’t putting you in debt, there’s no pressing need to give up that jolt. Instead, try putting some of our trusty brand hacks to work.

Here are 14 ways to save at Starbucks.

1. Shop the Site

If you’re looking to stock up on at-home Starbucks goodies, it never hurts to start at Starbucks.com. Often the company offers coupon codes and discounts for online orders (check the top banner). They also advertise any discounts and savings deals directly on the homepage or via member emails, which brings us to our next point …

2. Join Starbucks Rewards

Join the Starbucks Rewards program and start earning “Stars” that can be redeemed for Starbucks Rewards benefits. You’ll earn two stars for every $1 you spend using your registered card. Check out more about the two reward level options and what you can get with them right here.

3. Get Your Birthday Drink on the House

Register your birthday when you join the Starbucks Rewards program and you’ll be gifted a free beverage or treat through the Starbucks app on your birthday.

4. Bring Your Own Cup

Some Starbucks chains offer a $0.10 discount on your drink when you bring in your own reusable cup to drink from.

5. Go Easy on the Ice

Iced drinks are great, but all that icy goodness takes up a lot of room in your cup. Ask for your ice on the side to ensure your drinking cup is full to the max with your actual drink of choice.

6. Skip the Bottled Water

The water at Starbucks is filtered to ensure your coffee retains its flavor, so skip the pricey bottled water and go for free cup of tap water instead.

7. Split a Venti

The 20-ounce Venti cup (or 24-ounce Venti Iced) is certainly large enough to split with a friend, and you’ll essentially be getting two tall-size drinks for less than you’d pay if you ordered one outright.

8. DIY Your Own Chai Latte

With a little ingenuity you can DIY your own chai latte using Starbucks ingredients, but for a cheaper price. Just order a cup of hot water with a chai tea bag and add your own milk from the condiments bar.

9. Order Gift Cards for Less

Visit sites like Gift Card Granny or Raise.com to purchase Starbucks gift cards for less than face value.

10. Follow Starbucks on Social Media

Check out Starbucks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to be sure you catch all their recent deals.

11. Ask for a ‘Short’

While it’s not listed in most stores, a short size (8 ounces) does exist, and it’s cheaper than the tall if you’re only looking for a little caffeine buzz.

13. Make the Most of Free Refills

Pay with your Starbucks card or through your mobile app for your initial purchase and you’ll be rewarded with all the free refills of brewed coffee or tea you like.

14. Avoid Leaving Room for Milk & Ask for a Larger Cup

Instead of opting to have your barista leave you extra room in your tall cup for milk (read: less coffee), ask for your tall beverage in a grande cup instead. Voila! Appropriate amount of beverage with room to spare for milk.

Avid readers delight in everything Barnes & Noble has to offer, from classics like “Wuthering Heights” and “Valley of the Dolls” to newbies like “The Passenger” and “Big Little Lies.” It could be easy to drop a hefty sum of cash here, but you’ll be sure to save if you try out some of these tactics.

Here are 13 ways to save at Barnes & Noble.

1. Start with the Website

The Barnes & Noble website often offers discounts on any given day, so be sure to start there for all your literary needs. For example, as I typed this, books were 15% off orders of $50 or more, which I could easily spend.

2. Become a Member

For $25 a year, you can become a Barnes & Noble member, which includes goodies such as $50 in bonus coupons by email when you join, member-exclusive savings specials sent via email, free express shipping with no minimum purchase, 40% off the list price of the current hardcover bestsellers and 10% off the price of other eligible items.

3. Get the B&N MasterCard

Savvy credit card users can sign up for the Barnes & Noble MasterCard for 5% back on all B&N purchases, an automatic $25 B&N gift card for every 2,500 points you earn (plus a free $25 gift card after making your first purchase with the card) and 12 months of free B&N membership after you spending $7,500 a year on eligible purchases.

There’s no annual fee for the card, but your APR will be between 14.49% and 25.49% based on your creditworthiness, so pay this card off in full on every statement to make it worth the investment. (You can see how your current credit card use is affecting your credit by viewing your free credit report snapshot on Credit.com.)

4. Join the Kids’ Club

Sign up for the Kids’ Club and get 30% off the list price on any one kids book or toy, earn $5 in rewards for every $100 you spend on kids’ stuff online and in stores and get a free cupcake from the café on your kids’ birthdays.

5. Shop the Sales Section

Check out the B&N sales section of the site for up to 75% off select bargain books.

6. Make the Most of Free Events

Put aside the expensive movie night or kids’ activity center membership and head over to a free reading by your favorite author or story and activity time at your local B&N store. Find your location here and discover which specific events are offered in your area.

7. Explore Coupon Options Directly From B&N

Before doing any additional searching, check out the Barnes & Noble Coupons & Deals section for offers like deals of the day, exclusive offers and coupon codes good for a limited time.

8. Search for Coupon Offers Elsewhere

Check out sites like Coupons.com, RetailMeNot and Coupon Cabin for additional discount offers.

9. Sign Up for Emails

Provide your email either at the store or online and get coupon and discount offers sent directly to your inbox.

10. Combine Your Online Purchases

While B&N doesn’t match its online prices with what you’ll find in-store (and often the online items can be purchased for less), if you don’t have enough to buy to qualify for free shipping, try purchasing your items as a group with friends or family who are ordering, or pick up some gift items for future birthdays — a $25 order will get you free shipping.

11. Buy a Discounted Gift Card

Hit up Gift Card Granny to purchase a B&N gift card for less than face value.

12. Follow B&N on Social Media

Never miss another sale or coupon code when you follow the bookstore on Twitter and Facebook. (As an aside, you could also follow your local B&N store specifically — some have a separate page — to make sure you catch any exclusive events or offers they have happening.)

13. Install a Coupon Aggregator on Your Computer

Rather than digging around for missing coupons, install a coupon aggregator like Honey on your computer and let it do the work for you. This way, you’ll never miss out on a coupon or promo code again.

Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.

Whether you’re finishing your basement, fixing a leaky bathroom faucet or trying your hand at built-in bookshelves for your family room, Lowe’s is your one-stop-shop for all things home improvement related. While it can be super-easy to spend a ton of cash there, it’s also just as easy to save. Here’s how.

1. Wait for Things to Go on Sale

If you can, it pays to wait for the bigger items you need to go on sale at the home repair superstore … because they inevitably will. Beginning of the year sales, for example, included up to 40% on bathroom essentials like toilets and sink basins, as well as up to 40% off select custom kitchen cabinets when you spent $3,500 or more.

2. Apply for a Lowe’s Credit Card

If you’ll be shopping here enough and you can pay the credit card off on time (the APR is a variable 26.99%, so this strategy only really works if you can absolutely pay your bill on time), apply for the Lowe’s credit card. New cardholders can pick from between 5% off items every day or six months of special financing with a $299 minimum purchase. Just be sure your credit can handle an inquiry before you apply. You can see where you stand by viewing your free credit report summary, updated every 14 days, on Credit.com.

3. Shop Their Exclusive One-Day Deals

Be sure to check the site for Lowe’s one-day only deals, which are good for that day only and while supplies last.

4. Peruse Their Shop Savings Section

Lowe’s adds new discounted items every week to their Savings section, and deals generally last for a couple days or, even, up to a few months.

5. Check Out Their Weekly Ad

Search through your local paper or check online for the Lowe’s Weekly Ad for savings on items that generally last through that week only.

6. Take a Look at Clearance Items

Use the clearance section of the site to find even more discounts on items like cleaning supplies, flooring, home décor and more. Some items are up to 75% off, but the deals generally expire, so check back frequently for what you need.

7. Submit for a Rebate

Many Lowe’s products come with rebate offers, especially if they’re energy-efficient products. The store makes it easy to find out which products will save you a little cash — just check out the current rebates section on the site and submit an online application if your product applies. You can check the status of your rebates there, too.

8. Sign Up for Their Email Newsletter

Submit your email for the Lowe’s newsletter to get the weekly ad, exclusive offers and promotions, sneak peaks of upcoming events and more, directly to your inbox.

9. Join Their Garden Club

Sign up for Lowe’s Garden Club and you’ll receive an email every week with special promotions and offers, as well as gardening plans, advice and more.

A Credit Card For Every Level of Credit

10. Never Miss a Sale When You Follow Lowe’s on Social Media

Catch all the current deals and promotions by following the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

11. Get a Price Match

Lowe’s guarantees everyday competitive pricing. As such, if you find a competitor offering a lower price on an identical item, bring in the competitor’s current ad and Lowe’s will beat their price by 10%. If a competitor is offering a percent off discount, they’ll match the final net price the competitor is offering.

12. Use Online Price Protection

If you’re already in the store, be sure to check online to see if the item you want is cheaper there before heading to the checkout line. You can shop for your Lowe’s products online to receive the lower of the online store price or the price at your local Lowe’s store. Or, select “store pickup” to order your items online and pick them up in your local store later, thus avoiding the shipping fee —unless you have $49 or more in items, in which case shipping is free.

13. Ask for a Military Discount

If you currently serve in the armed services or are a retired veteran, you and your immediate family receive a 10% discount. Check here for the stipulations.

14. Load Up on Free Services

While it’s not an immediate way to save, taking advantage of all the workshops and personalized services offered at Lowe’s is a great way to ensure you do your project right, which will save you time and money in the long run. Check out a full list of in-store services, including workshops, clinics and other services, on Lowe’s website.

15. Buy Gift Cards at a Discount

16. Install a Coupon Aggregator on Your Computer

Never miss another online coupon or savings offer when you install a coupon aggregate collector, like Honey, on your computer. The search engine will automatically look for discounts at your time of online checkout and could score you even more in savings.

17. Ask When a Sidewalk Sale Is Happening

A couple times a year you’ll notice that Lowe’s has a ton of items out on the sidewalk. These items are often on sale big-time, and their sidewalk sale happens a couple times a year, so be sure you don’t miss it.

‘Tis the season for your local CVS to be on your regular errand route. Whether it’s cold meds, under eye cream for those tired peepers or extra toilet paper, CVS is your one-stop-shop for all things home/cold/help related. What makes CVS even better is the number of ways you can save when shopping there. Here are a few.

1. Check Out Their Weekly Deals

Hop online and check out the CVS Weekly Deals section before making any purchases. Lots of buy one, get one and instant savings offers are bound to make you happy.

2. Search Through Their Coupon Offers

Even if you’ll be heading into your local CVS to make a purchase, try searching the CVS coupon center online first, where you can print any coupons you’d like to use before shopping.

A Credit Card For Every Level of Credit

3. Stack CVS Coupons With Manufacturer Coupons

Search online or through ads in your weekly paper to get coupons directly from manufacturers of your favorite products, then use those coupons in conjunction with CVS ones to score even more savings. (CVS’ coupon policy generally allows one CVS coupon and one manufacturer’s coupon per item.)

4. Find Online Savings

Don’t need to head into the store? You can save by shopping online at CVS and checking out their online deals, as well. If you do shop online, also be sure to …

5. Ship Wisely

CVS offers up to 20% off plus free shipping and automatic delivery with its Ship & Save program. All you need to do is look for the Ship & Save eligible icon and schedule how often you’d like to receive them. Learn more about the program here.

6. Sign Up for Their ExtraCare Program

If you don’t have an ExtraCare account, sign up for one on CVS’ website. Members earn 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards most times they shop and enjoy extra savings through email and receipt coupons, as well as through the app.

7. Add Your Email to Your Account

Once you have an ExtraCare card, create an online account and add your email to ensure you receive additional emails with coupons as well.

8. Visit the ExtraCare Coupon Center in the Store

Before you do anything in the store, be sure to scan your ExtraCare card at the red ExtraCare Coupon Center. The machine will automatically print coupons that you can use for your purchases that day or save for later. There’s a price checker option on this machine, too.

9. Earn Rewards on Trips to the Pharmacy

Sign up for the Pharmacy & Health Rewards program and you’ll earn $5 ExtraBucks Rewards every time you fill 10 prescriptions, plus other rewards.

10. Make a Little Cash Off Your Make-Up Purchases

Become a member of the ExtraCare BeautyClub and earn a 10% off beauty shopping pass, $5 ExtraBucks Rewards for every $50 spent on beauty products, $3 ExtraBucks Rewards on your birthday, as well as exclusive emails with coupons and new product info. (Just be sure not to overspend to get extra rewards — carrying credit card balances can hurt your wallet and your credit. You can see how your debts are affecting you by viewing two of your free credit scores, updated every 14 days, on Credit.com.)

11. Save Deals in Your CVS App

CVS now offers the option to get digital receipts at checkout. This way, you can download the CVS app and send your deals directly to your ExtraCare card that way. Plus, you get $5 ExtraBucks Rewards for downloading the app and linking your ExtraCare card to it for the first time.

12. Register Your ExtraCare Card With Upromise

Although slightly different from regular savings, CVS offers an added incentive for customers with college-bound kids to shop with them. When you register your ExtraCare card with Upromise, a free loyalty program run by Sallie Mae that lets families earn credits for a college savings plan or to pay down student loans, CVS will contribute 3% of your nonprescription purchase price on select items every time you shop into your Upromise account. (Psst … we’ve got more ideas for how you can pay for college without taking on a mountain of debt here.)

13. Roll Your ExtraBucks

Customers can roll over their earned ExtraBucks by spending current ExtraBucks on items that give ExtraBucks back. This way you’ll get to purchase an item on “sale” by using an ExtraBuck today, while earning more ExtraBucks to use on future purchases.

14. Ask for a Rain Check

If a sale item you wish to purchase is out of stock, ask a CVS sales associate to issue a rain check. This way when the item is back in stock you’ll be able to purchase the same item at the sale price, and potentially even use more coupons that you may have received or earned in the meantime.

15. Join its Advisor Panel

Sign up to be a member of the CVS Advisor Panel and you’ll receive links to online surveys a couple times a year. Joining will help you shape what CVS offers in their stores and what their service is like, but even better, you’ll earn ExtraBucks each time you participate.

16. Buy Discounted Gift Cards

17. Ask About Transferring Prescriptions

If it’s convenient, consider transferring your prescriptions from your current pharmacy to CVS. The company often offers free gift cards to those who do this. Look for this deal in the weekly sales circular or ask a pharmacist.

18. Follow CVS on Social Media

With so many ways to cash in on coupons and savings at CVS, it can be overwhelming. Try following CVS on both Twitter and Facebook to be sure you’re up-to-date on sales before shopping.

While I’ve always been a fan of Shutterfly for its personalized gift-giving options, once I had a baby, my web browser saw a considerable uptick in Shutterfly visits. Luckily there are plenty of ways to save a little cash when frequenting this photo-lovers heaven. Use this guide to never pay full price for a photo product again.

1. Create an Account

Be sure to create an account directly on their homepage with both your email and home address so you can receive discount offers to your inbox and through the mail.

2. Cash In on the New Customer Offer

Once you create an account, new customers can cash in on a few freebies from the site, like a certain number of free prints, free magnets or a free set of address labels.

Free Credit Consultation - Call 844-346-3296

3. Check for Other Promo Codes Directly on the Site

Before doing any outside research, check out Shutterfly’s own promotion page. Deals often include things like free economy shipping or free upgrades to expedited shipping, as well as discounts on certain types of photo gifts.

4. Look Up Special Offers

Special offers are not the same as promos, so be sure to also check out Shutterfly’s special offers page for additional savings throughout the year.

5. Stack Your Coupons

Shutterfly allows you to stack multiple coupons (although sometimes free shipping can’t be used in conjunction with other offers, so keep that in mind). Be sure to try out all the available options together when ordering to see which ones stick.

6. Search for Shutterfly Coupons on Other Sites

A little Google search can go a long way in terms of finding additional promo codes for Shutterfly savings, but be sure to check some of the staples, like RetailMeNot, Goodshop, Groupon and Coupons.com

7. Put Together Your Project … Then Save it

Rather than trying to put together an album of your daughter’s first year of life by the time a coupon expires at midnight (ahem, been there, done that), try putting your projects together ahead of time and saving them to your Shutterfly account. If you don’t need them right away, that allows you to wait for the perfect discount offer to come along, thereby saving you cash and frustration.

8. Wait for Seasonal Sales

Like most other sites, Shutterfly will offer big savings around certain predictable times of year, like Black Friday, Christmas and Valentine’s Day. If you can hold off until these times to put together your projects, you’ll save a ton — which is sweet, particularly during peak shopping season, since high credit card balances can hurt your bank account and your credit score. (You can see how your credit card debt is affecting your standing by viewing your free credit report snapshot, updated every 14 days, on Credit.com.)

9. Don’t Throw Out Coupons From Other Packages Right Away

Shutterfly often partners with other companies to offer coupons that will come in their packaging. I’ve received Shutterfly coupons from Babies “R” Us packages and other children’s clothing stores.

10. Sign Up for Rewards Programs on Other Sites

While I’ve never personally tried this, I’ve heard that other companies often allow you to redeem points from their rewards programs for Shutterfly products (particularly if they’re family-friendly sites). Jo-Ann Fabric, Pampers, Huggies and Similac StrongMoms seem to be a few of the popular ones.

11. Use Social Media

Be sure to follow Shutterfly on both Facebook and Twitter to catch any exclusive deals it shouts out to followers, or at the very least to never miss a big sale that they’re sure to call out on their social sites

12. Follow Coupon Aggregate Sites on Social Media, Too

Following Shutterfly is a great way to score deals, but it doesn’t hurt to follow other coupon aggregate sites for potential coupons and promo codes, as well. Try Savings.com, Brad’s Deals and Coupon Sherpa to start.

13. Buy With a Friend

From time to time you’ll find free shipping codes for Shutterfly, but if you don’t have enough to meet the free shipping minimum yourself (for example, as of writing this, you needed to spend $39 to qualify), try combining orders with a friend to reach the minimum amount needed.